Fall 2018 Fashion Trends in the US

Each season, the runways reveal what major trends the style world will collectively start adopting. And while citizenship in said world isn’t limited to where you reside, there are dialect-type differences: A woman in Texas is styling her runway-approved cowboy boots with a different vibe than a Washingtonian would, and women in Boston have a studied approach to wearing plaid day and night that differs dramatically from someone in, say, Atlanta.

To show the versatility of this autumn’s biggest trends—and unearth inspiration from around the U.S.A.— we asked top personal stylists from Saks Fifth Avenue locations around the country to give us their take on five key trends.

The location: San Antonio, Texas

The stylist: Nona Barrick

“The cowboy boot is a casual twist that updates your existing wardrobe. My San Antonio clients are incorporating it with cropped jeans or leggings and longer skirts—they love adding western flair to the everyday.

“Instead of wearing ballet flats with your sweaters and jeans, I tell customers to change it up with the Isabel Marant cowboy boot. This gray color is her updated neutral, and it’s so swish.

“For a fun take on the western trend, style boots with fall florals or printed dresses like Sacai’s bandana-print dress. I love the stitching details on this Givenchy boot and the fact that it’s a higher heel.”

Left: Alanui Cashmere Hoodie, Frame Le High Straight Jeans, Isabel Marant Dicker Boots

Right: Sacai Dress, Givenchy Boots

The location: Troy, Michigan

The stylist: Betsy Gould

“Everyone looks amazing in this trend, and it’s sexy [because] women feel confident in a well-fitted suit. In the past I’ve styled it traditionally with a crisp white blouse and a great pump, but also with just a sexy lace bra and a bootie.

“[Customers in Troy] are going for a throw-back inspired by the ’80s with a modern twist. They’re not afraid to do a sleek, long jacket with matching cropped trousers. It’s super chic and can be the perfect alternative to a cocktail dress. Add statement jewelry and an evening pump, and you’re ready for black tie.

“I also love styling women in a slightly oversized blazer with skinny jeans or leather pants—it’s great AM or PM. For day, wear with a cool logo tee; for night, replace with a lace camisole.”

Top: Dolce & Gabbana Jacket and Pants, Manolo Blahnik Mules

Bottom: MSGM Blazer, Helmut Lang T-Shirt, Frame Le High Straight Jeans, Gianvito Rossi Mules

The location: New York, New York

The stylist: Lindsey Bernay

“I’ve always had one rule for my clients: Never enter a room without a fabulous coat or jacket. It’s the best way to ensure your look is polished and on point. Growing up on the West Coast, I was never able to wear all my gorgeous coats. Now in NY, I swear by it. A statement coat sets you apart from the crowd and is the easiest way to elevate your style game.

“Monse makes fashion look effortlessly cool. Combining the statement coat and flannel trends, this coat can go from the office to a night on the town—something New Yorkers are always thinking about. I’d style it with combat boots and jeans, then elevate it with a chic dress and heeled boots.

“New Yorkers are also styling faux fur from head to toe, and this yellow coat nails it with the perfect pop of color. It exudes energy and anyone who wears it carries it with them. This color will actually go with almost everything in your wardrobe and is on-trend this season.”

Left: Monse Half & Half Trench Coat, Monse Shirt, Monse Half & Half Jeans, Manolo Blahnik Mules

Right: Tibi Faux Fur Belted Trench Coat and Sweater, Helmut Lang Cropped Leather Leggings, Gianvito Rossi Boots

The location: Boston, Massachusetts

The stylist: Chrissy Sack

“Plaid is an easy way to add color into your wardrobe. It’s different and builds character for the wearer. Boston is historically the hub of academia and this trend is an organic way to be on trend while nodding to that.

“My clients are showing it via blazers, skinny pants, flannels, and fitted knit underpinnings. A plaid sweater with pants is the perfect daytime look in Boston. Whether for lunch or just walking through the city, this soft-yet-stylish outfit looks amazing and feels even better. For evening, this plaid dress distinguishes the wearer as bold and sophisticated because it’s unexpected.”

Left: Dries Van Noten Madras Sweater (shop similar) and Pants, Balenciaga Bag

Right: Ganni Dress, Calvin Klein 205W39NYC Heels

The location: Bal Harbour, Florida

The stylist: Kitty Ibarra

“Wearing animal print automatically makes you feel daring, sexy, and empowered. When I style my customers in it I stress one point: There’s a fine line between classy and trashy when doing leopard. You have to be mindful of your own personal taste and comfort. The most important thing is confidence.

“View animal print as a neutral. It’s made of brown, black, and nude, so you can incorporate it with a lot of pieces you already own. Keep accessories neutral to break up head-to-toe leopard. Use a solid-colored shoe or another of my favorite trends: PVC shoes.

“[I also tell customers to] mix prints and colors for a bold, impactful choice. Pair two completely different prints, like this tiger-print sweater and leopard-accented jeans. Once you start you won’t be able to stop, but just be mindful that the overall color palette tells a cohesive story.”

Top: Rixo Silk Blouse and Skirt, Prada Heels

Bottom: Proenza Schouler Sweater, Michael Kors Patch Jeans, Miu Miu Sneakers